Visual-motor skills and endurance are developed through the use of specialized computer and optical devices, including therapeutic lenses, prisms, and filters. During the final stages of therapy, the patient’s newly acquired visual skills are reinforced and made automatic through repetition and by integration with motor and cognitive skills.

Although children most commonly undergo vision therapy, it may help adults with visual challenges as well.

We have provided these services in Marin County since 1993; and now offer Optometric Vision Therapy in Petaluma at Sonoma Eyecare Associates.

Oliver Sachs, in his new book:The Minds Eye, discusses the amazing story of Sue Barry, Ph.D and her miraculous ability to regain her 3-D Vision. Sue's own book: Fixing My Gaze has already become a bestseller. Please listen to her TED talk...

Poor Binocular Coordination – Vision Therapy helps individuals develop normal coordination and teamwork of the two eyes (binocular vision). When the two eyes fail to work together as an effective team, performance in many areas can suffer (reading, sports, depth perception, eye contact, etc.). Learning-related Vision Problems – Vision Therapy can help those individuals who lack the necessary visual skills for effective reading, writing, and learning (i.e., eye movement and focusing skills, convergence, eye-hand activity, visual memory skills, etc.). Strabismus and Amblyopia – Vision Therapy programs offer much higher cure rates for turned eyes and/or lazy eye when compared to eye surgery, glasses, and/or patching, without therapy. The earlier the patient receives Vision Therapy the better, however, recent research has shown that patients can be treated well into adulthood. Stress-induced Visual Difficulties – 21st century lifestyles demand more from our vision than ever before. Children and adults in our technological society constantly use their near vision at work and at home. C.V.S. (Computer Vision Syndrome) is one of the fastest growing health concerns in the workplace today. Environmental stresses on the visual system (including excessive computer use or close work) can induce eyestrain, headaches, and visual difficulties that can be effectively treated with corrective lenses or Vision Therapy. Visual Rehabilitation for Special Populations – Vision can be compromised as a result of neurological disorders or trauma to the nervous system (such as, traumatic brain injuries, stroke, whiplash, developmental delays, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, etc.). Vision Therapy can effectively treat the visual consequences of trauma (including double vision). Sports Vision Improvement – Strong visual skills are critical to sports success. Not much happens in sports until your eyes instruct your hands and body as to what to do! Accurate vision and athletic visual skills can be measured, developed, and enhanced through Vision Therapy. We can measure and successfully improve eye-hand coordination, visual reaction time, peripheral awareness, eye teaming, focusing, tracking, and visualization skills (to mention just a few).